Relocating to Geneva

Before relocating to Geneva it is worth doing some research. Geneva is considered to be Switzerland’s most international city, and has been a long established destination for British ex-pats. Geneva is the home of the European headquarters of the World Health Organisation and United Nations as well as Dell and IBM.

The official language in Geneva is French but Spanish, German, Russian and English are all spoken. One thing to bear in mind if you are considering moving to Geneva is the high cost of living. Especially concerning the cost of accommodation, this is because there is a considerable housing shortage.

It is also mandatory for anyone moving to Geneva to purchase a health insurance policy within three months of arrival in Switzerland. This is not usually provided by the employer and should be budgeted for when you move.

Visa requirements when relocating to Geneva

All foreigners need the appropriate visa for Switzerland, irrespective of whether they want to stay for a holiday, or settle more permanently.

Anyone thinking of moving there should be aware that different rules apply to European Union (EU) and European Free Trade
Association (EFTA) citizens, and those from elsewhere.

Citizens from the EU, the EFTA, and countries on the Swiss government’s designated list are allowed visa-free entry and can stay for 90 days, provided their passport is valid for at least six months.

Anyone wishing to work or live in the country for more than three months need to apply for a Swiss residence permit – there is no separate work permit. This applies to all foreign nationals, but it’s easier for EU/EFTA citizens to be granted one. These are the most common permits:

• Permit B (Initial Residence Permit): For anyone with an employment contract valid for more than 12 months; who have the means to live in Switzerland without employment; or who are self-employed, although you will need to show you have enough funds to live without employment. The permit is valid for five years, and is renewable for another five.
• Permit C (Permanent Residence Permit): Only citizens of the EFTA and original 15 EU member states who have lived in Switzerland for five years are eligible.
• Permit L (Short-Term): Granted to applicants with an employment contract that is valid for less than one year. This can be extended.

Currency when relocating to Geneva

Swiss franc (CHF), divided into 100 rappen

Time difference when relocating to Geneva

Geneva is 1 hour ahead of London. It is 2 ahead from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Travel connections when relocating to Geneva

Property prices when relocating to Geneva

As a general guide you will find property prices are influenced by location and demand. Your choice of location will be influenced by your place of work. Local agents will be the best place to start. The process of buying any type of property or land is strictly regulated. The services of certain professionals are usually required for the process. The local estate
agent should be able to give an estimation of all fees and the property charges the buyer will be responsible for when they become the owner.

Home entertainment & communication when relocating to Geneva

Education when relocating to Geneva

UK Expats will often send their children to the American Schools, which teach the syllabus in English.

Relocation Companies

Location Strategy Solutions (LSS Relocation) was established in 1986. The Company has grown through innovation and excellent customer service provision and now includes many major international companies among its clients.

LSS is very much engaged with and involved in the world of national relocation and international relocation with memberships and council involvement within the ARP, EuRA to name but a few. Through LSS’s long history within the relocation arena, deep rooted partnerships have been established across the globe allowing LSS to deliver to their corporate clients the right service for their particular needs, whether requiring seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions or delivery in a single location.

We understand the need to combine a professional service with the personal touch, so important when dealing with the inherent stress of relocation and the particular requirements of each individual and family. Through maintaining our independence we can treat your employees as human beings and not a number in a database.